Transform Skin with the Luminous Energy of Gua Sha

What is facial Gua Sha? Gua Sha itself is defined in two parts: “gua” for shaping, and “sha” for redness of skin. The historical records of the first use of the Gua Sha date back to the Stone Age, and they were also heavily used in traditional Chinese medicine, so the practice is anything but new!

This modern take on the ancient tradition of gua sha entails lightly pressing on the face in gentle strokes to increase circulation, tone and lift skin, and reawaken luminosity. Traditional Chinese medicine specifically used it to balance their “chi,” which is energy that flows through the body.

When using the Gua Sha, you’ll engage in a massage technique. The technique is designed to boost circulation, relieve tension, support lymphatic drainage, and reduce bloating. The Gua Sha facial lifts, firms face contours, reduces dark circles and puffiness, and smooths fine lines.

Inspired by the volcanic landscapes of Sicily, we searched the lands for the most beneficial stone that could be polished into the ultimate Gua Sha facial tool. Our quest led us to discover the limitless powers of Obsidian. Its potent energy is known to rejuvenate skin on all levels with profound skincare benefits. Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooling lava. The luminous black crystal has long been revered by ancient mystics and healers for its divine ability to protect against negative energies, ease stress, release toxins and increase positive personal energy. In addition, unlike other stones, Obsidian retains natural warmth which helps encourage the stimulation of skin. After a stressful day, why not soothe it all away with our rejuvenating Healing Recovery Gua Sha Ritual?

PREPARE:

Begin with a cleansed face and a clean Gua Sha stone. Prep skin with ample hydration using the Furtuna Skin Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil. Add 3-4 drops into the palm of your hand. Press on to face while taking in deep breaths of the calming Magnolia.

DEEP BREATHING OF MAGNOLIA:

Now that our skin is prepped, let’s get our mind and body ready for the Gua Sha ritual. Open your jar of Furtuna Skin Rinascita Delle Olive Replenishing Balm and place it under your nose. Breathe in 5 seconds and out for 10, inhaling the soft aroma of Magnolia oil that is known throughout history to calm stressed minds as its soothing properties help relieve and repair skin. Repeat this breath work exercise 3 times.

MINDFULNESS & VISUALIZATION:

Set your intention for the session. We recommend you remove yourself from eye sight of a mirror or close your eyes to increase the experience of relaxation, inward-reflection and feelings of gratitude and joy. Try to imagine the sounds of the Mediterranean Sea just like the blue of the Balm for a more calming effect.

GUA SHA RITUAL:

Next, apply the Replenishing Balm to improve glide and slip as you want to avoid a drag of your tool across the skin. Use a dime size amount of Replenishing Balm for chest and another dime size amount for your face.

Hold the Gua Sha at a 15° angle with your thumb under the tool and the other 4 fingers flat on top to gently guide the stone.

Divide your face into 4 zones
Zone 1: neck and décolleté
Zone 2: jaw and upper lip under the cheekbone
Zone 3: cheeks, under eye and nose
Zone 4: forehead and brows.

Start with Zone 1: beginning at the décolleté, sweep out towards the shoulders. Move towards the neck in an upward movement.

Zone 2: start at the midline of the face under the jar and sweep the stone outwards to the ears. Proceed to the upper lip, gently sweeping the stone towards the ears, then down to the neck. To ease little lines, continue to the side of the mouth and sweep out towards the ears.

Zone 3, progress towards the bridge of the nose and along the sides of the nose. Hold the tool under the cheekbones, working the ridge. Sweep under eyes and cheekbones with a pumping movement and out towards the hairline. Sweep down behind the ears and down the neck.

Continue to Zone 4: hold the tool on the top of the nose and work the muscles of the forehead up vertically to the top of the hairline. Work out any areas where you have lines or tension. Then hold the skin with one hand and work horizontally and then all the way down to the neck.

Repeat each individual movement 3-6 times.

REST & RESET:

Let the Replenishing Balm melt into your skin overnight, allowing optimal time for the ancient medicinal Hawthorne and Olive Oil to facilitate the skin's regeneration process. Wake up with brighter, happier skin.

Learn more on how to use our Obsidian Gua Sha stone on Instagram @furtunaskin